October Health – 2025 Report

Non-Binary Demographic in Canada

Leading cause: minority stress from discrimination and stigma against non-binary people in Canada.

Key contributors (population level):

  • Chronic misgendering and lack of social recognition in daily life and workplaces.
  • Workplace discrimination and barriers to equality (hiring, pay, advancement, benefits).
  • Barriers to healthcare and gender-affirming care, plus safety concerns in public and work settings.

Workplace implication:

  • Implement inclusive policies, gender-affirming practices, and accessible mental health resources. Consider using October’s digital group sessions and content focused on LGBTQ2S+ inclusion to support non-binary employees.
← back to the Report

How mental health affects the Non-Binary demographic differently

  • Societal expectations and erasure

    • Non-binary people often face consistent misgendering, deadnaming, and pressure to fit a binary gender, leading to chronic discomfort and invisibility. Coping: request pronouns in workplaces, seek inclusive communities, and practice self-advocacy.

  • Healthcare access barriers in Canada

    • Fewer providers are knowledgeable about non-binary care and gender-affirming options; provincial coverage varies; wait times and documentation can be stressful. Coping: seek trans-informed healthcare providers; ask for clear referrals; document needs and preferences.

  • Workplace policy gaps and microaggressions

    • HR systems may assume binary gender, pronoun usage may be inconsistent, and access to facilities or dress codes can feel unsafe. Coping: push for inclusive policies, use pronoun accommodations, and connect with EDI groups or HR for support.

  • Mental health impact from minority stress

    • Chronic exposure to discrimination and concealment can elevate anxiety, depression, and burnout. Coping: regular mental health support (therapist who understands gender diversity), and consider digital group sessions (e.g., October) for shared experiences and coping strategies.

  • Intersectionality and systemic barriers

    • Race, Indigenous status (e.g., Two-Spirit contexts), disability, or immigration status can compound stress and access issues. Coping: seek culturally informed care, build diverse support networks, and connect with community organizations that address overlapping identities.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the Non-Binary demographic in South African?

Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.

Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.

October for Businesses